MPAartfest 2023

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MPAartfest 2023 Call for Entries

McLean Project for the Arts currently seeks submissions for the 17^th Annual MPAartfest, a one-day juried fine art and craft show and sale featuring the work of more than 40 local and regional visual artists. This year’s festival will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in McLean Central Park. Artists retain 100 percent of in-park sales. MPAartfest 2023 is made possible with the help of the McLean Community Center, and our partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority.

WHAT: MPAartfest 2023 Call for Submissions

WHO: Artists from across the mid-Atlantic region are encouraged to apply

WHEN: Early Application Deadline – May 20, 2023 ($300)
Deadline for Submissions – June 17, 2023 ($350)
Festival Date – October 1, 2023

WHERE: McLean Central Park; 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd; McLean, VA
Accepted artists will also be featured on the MPAartfest website

HOW: https://mpa.submittable.com/submit

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jennifer Lillis, Gallery Manager, at jlillis@mpaart.org with questions or for more information

The 16th Annual MPAartfest

Sunday, October 2, 10am-4pm

Mark your calendars! MPAartfest 2022 returns for its 16th year to McLean Central Park on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 10am – 4pm.

During MPAartfest, McLean Central Park is transformed into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of juried artists from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. This FREE event features contemporary art, live music throughout the day from some of the DC-area’s best musical talents, a Children’s Art Walk, food vendors, and much more.

MPA is an independent non-profit 501(C)3 organization. Funds raised at MPAartfest via sponsorships and individual donations support MPA exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

MPAartfest 2022 is made possible with the help of the McLean Community Center, and through partnerships with our community and corporate sponsors, Fairfax County Park Authority and The Mather.

Can’t wait until October? Relive all of the best moments of Virtual MPAartfest 2021 online! Visit MPA’s YouTube Channel to experience all of the Meet the Artist Talks.

2022 MPAartfest Featured Artists

From painting to sculptures, crystalline ceramics, bead work, wood work, jewelry, mixed media, fine illustrations, and much more, this year’s MPAartfest Featured Artists have something for everyone. Get a head start on your holiday shopping–it’s never too early to begin working your way through your list. With more than 35 premier visual artists from across the Mid-Atlantic region, you’ll leave with gifts for your whole crew.

Musical Performances

In recent years–under the enthusiastic leadership of MPAartfest Music Curator Ken Avis–music has become an integral and much-loved part of MPAartfest. The 15th Annual MPAartfest will continue this tradition with performances throughout the day by some of the DC-area’s most celebrated musicians.

This year’s expanded musical program features an international roster of critically acclaimed artists, including Nataly Merezhuk’s Hot Band, The Harry Bells, Sheyda Do’a Band, and more.

Children’s Art Walk: Call for Entries

MPA currently seeks submissions for our 15th Annual MPAartfest Children’s Art Walk. A perennial favorite at MPAartfest, the Children’s Art Walk is an open-air gallery of student art proudly sponsored by the New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC) of McLean.

The show will be juried and open to students in the Langley and McLean Fairfax County Public School pyramid, as well as students at private and parochial schools. Student artwork submissions are welcome Saturday, September 18 and 25, 2021. Submissions may be dropped off at McLean Project for the Arts (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101) from 10am-3pm. Limit one submission per student. Artwork may be any size 11×14 or smaller.

Food Vendors

Shopping for great art can make you hungry. Our lineup of restaurants has got you covered! Enjoy tasty treats from our featured eateries:

• Rocklands BBQ — Wood-only barbecue and grilled foods
• Timber Pizza — Wood-fired pizza
• Kona Ice — Tropical shaved ice with a wide array of delicious flavors
• MooThru — Handcrafted and slow churned ice cream and sorbets

And don’t forget to stop by MPA’s Cafe Beret, presented by The Mather! Enjoy a glass of wine courtesy of Chain Bridge Cellars, relax at the picnic tables and listen to the performers in the Gazebo while you sip. Bliss!

Parking Information

Parking is available at the McLean Community Center lots at the front of the building, and if those lots are full, overflow parking is available at the following lots within walking distance:

Other walking distance parking
• Capital One Bank — 6890 Elm Street
• FitzGerald Properties — 1446 Dolley Madison Boulevard (at Elm Street)

Handicapped parking is available in the McLean Community Center lot at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. A free shuttle will run all day between there and the park entrance–please wait by the posted Shuttle Stop sign.

If coming by metro, the McLean Station stop on the Silver Line is just a short Uber or Lyft ride (two miles) to McLean Central Park.

Volunteer at MPAartfest

Looking for a great way to connect with your community and have fun at the same time? Volunteer at MPAartfest on October 2! Join the fun of making MPAartfest an outstanding event. Volunteers of all ages are needed for various activities throughout the day.

Soirée | A Celebration in Support of MPAartfest